Craps Strategies
Craps is a game of chance, so dice results are entirely random. Still, considered betting choices can help you manage the way you play.
A thoughtful craps plan can help you manage your bankroll and limit losses. Most craps systems focus on which bets to make and which to avoid. You can’t overcome the casino over the long run, but using your money efficiently can make the game more enjoyable.
Classic Regression Strategy
Classic regression is designed to allow for a profit after one hit. Wait until the shooter establishes a point before betting. Once the point is set, wager two units on both the 6 and the 8. After a hit, lower each of the 6 and 8 wagers by one unit. The approach relies on a 6 or 8 appearing before a 7.״}const
Craps outcomes are strongly influenced by probability, making 6 and 8 sensible numbers to consider. Ten combinations can produce a 6 or 8, compared with just six combinations that produce a seven.
Pass and Come with Odds Strategy
The pass line is the basis of a popular craps approach, with a house edge of just 1.41%. Adding free odds can make the wager more efficient by lowering the house edge further. Keep only the table minimum on the pass or come bet and put a larger share of your stake on free odds.
Although this approach has a low house edge, several numbers with odds working at once can put a substantial amount of money at risk. Track your bankroll and wager only what you can afford to lose.
Anything but Seven Strategy
With the ‘anything but seven strategy’, the goal is to win when any number other than 7 appears. Wait for the shooter to establish a point before betting. Once the point is set, place two units each on 5, 6 and 8, then add one unit to the field. If the shooter rolls at least three times, you may make a decent profit.
A roll of 2 or 12 can bring an additional return. After three rolls, take down every wager so you don’t give back all your winnings. The reasoning is that an average shooter typically rolls about 4 to 6 times before throwing a 7.
The 1-3-2-6 Craps Strategy
For low rollers who prefer the pass line, the 1-3-2-6 strategy is presented as one of the stronger craps systems. It lets you set win and loss limits, helping you avoid risking your entire bankroll. Follow the sequence: bet one unit first, raise your second bet to three units, then subtract one unit so the third bet is two units.
If you complete every bet successfully, you’ll have accumulated 12 units. There’s no guarantee of winning every time, of course. The sequence is intended to leave you at break-even if you win the first three bets and lose the fourth.
Don’t Pass and Don’t Come with Odds
The don’t pass and don’t come approach is the reverse of the pass and come method described above. Its house edge is 1.36%, slightly below the 1.41% stated for pass and come. As with pass and come with odds, most of the stake goes on odds; keep don’t pass and don’t come bets at the table minimum.
Even with a low house edge, the combined wagers can become substantial. Manage your bankroll carefully and don’t bet more than you can afford to lose.
Floor and Ceiling Strategy
Knowing when to leave sounds easy, but it can be hard during a winning streak. Sensible gamblers know when to collect their winnings and go, or accept a loss and return another day. Craps players can set a session target of 30% of their starting bankroll. For example, if you start with $200, leave when you’re about $60 ahead. With a small bankroll, a lower target may be more realistic.
The same idea applies to losses. Once you’ve lost 30% of your bankroll, recovering may be difficult, so it may be wiser to accept the loss before the remaining funds run out.
The 5-Count Strategy
The 5-count craps strategy is intended to limit losses by having players hold off on betting. Wait until the shooter has completed five successful rolls before wagering. A successful roll means the shooter rolls a point number on the come-out roll, starting the 5-count. So, if the opening roll is 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, begin counting at 1. If it is 2, 3, 7, 11, or 12, do not start the count.
Include every number rolled in the second, third and fourth counts. On the fifth roll, however, the shooter must make a point number to complete the count. A seven-out at any stage ends the count.
Using Craps Strategies
The best craps strategy for you depends on your bankroll and preferences. In general, look for a method based on bets with a very low house edge, while keeping in mind that no system guarantees a win. Choose an online casino that is licensed and offers a safe, fair gaming environment, but verify the relevant jurisdiction rather than assuming these conditions. These features may help you make more informed craps decisions, but they can’t ensure a win.
